Nobody thinks that Marmite is “just, sort of, OK.” As their long-running advertising campaign rightfully states, “you either love it or hate it.” Being produced since 1902 and having sales which have recently topped £46 million, Marmite obviously has its fans, but, for the uninitiated, let’s take a closer look at what’s in that little brown glass jar.
Marmite is, quite simply, a yeast extract. Originally, in the late 19th century, organic chemist Justus von Liebig discovered that brewer’s yeast, which is the by-product of the brewing process, could be concentrated and eaten. Though it takes the form of an extremely salty brown paste, Marmite proved to be an immediate success due to its being a good source of B vitamins, such as Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, etc., which, at the time, were lacking in the diet of many Brits.
The name “marmite” is thought to originate from the French term of the same spelling which is the name for a small earthenware casserole dish with a lid. Though they may seem to be quite different things, the association was made due to the fact that the yeast extract product was initially sold in small earthenware pots that closely resembled the French vessel. While the switch to the current glass jars was made in the 1920’s, as well as there being a picture of a French marmite on the label, the jars are still made to resemble the original earthenware containers.
Considering that it is 100% vegetarian, packed with essential vitamins, and low-gluten, it’s definitely worth a try. However, it’s not the type of food product that you want to slather on everything. Though the internet is filled with videos and horror stories of people who have mistakenly taken spoonful-sized bites of Marmite or the Australian version, Vegemite, it’s best when used sparingly. While the most recognized use is at the British breakfast table on a piece of toast in a thin layer along with butter or margarine, there are also many uses for the more adventurous – from flavouring soups and cooking, to baking a Marmite cake, and even a number of cereal bars and snack foods that have the Marmite flavour.
So, the next time you see the little brown jar, have a little confidence and try it, so you can know for sure whether you “like it or hate it.”
